Dear Mom and Dad,

We've been through a lot, you guys welcomed me into the world with tons of letters addressed to me, cuddles every morning between you two and tons of polarized pictures of our adventures until the other three came and ruined our fun.

We've been through a lot of ups and downs, from our best times celebrating each other achievements to hospital visits, the consistent factors in all of these events were that I could count on you two everytime.

There were things you were known for, the 'fun' parents. The ones everyone and anyone could relate to or go to for anything especially advice. You took so many people in when they needed it and always had double the kids you actually owned in your house. You were considered everyone's second parents.

Then there were things no one knew about.

Dad, all the tireless hours you worked to give us above and beyond what we deserved because you believed we deserved more. The countless hours you put into earning your Bachelors and Masters degrees when everyone was asleep because you wanted better for yourself and our family.

Mom, the long nights you stayed up teaching us and the passionate talks about our sports were treasured. You were always trying to better us. We always knew when you were up most the nights because you were worried about us or about dad being away overseas.

I want to thank you for all the meets, games, competitions you both attended. I want to highlight the fact that when you would go, you would go above the average parent and write stats, run the team board, chaperone team trips, and volunteering whenever you could.

It's crazy how much you both taught me in a short twenty years through what you've done. It sticks with me in every situation and I always feel like I know what to do because of everything you two did.

Mom, you taught me the other person is always more important, always eat last, and clean up after everyone regardless of who's helping and who's not. Pride comes before destruction, and regardless of where you are or what's happening something is always worse for someone else, so try not to complain and make the best out of any situation. I remember that you can always be both good cop and bad cop and still be successful at getting your point across. But most importantly love and family can get you through anything.

Dad, you taught me that the hard work done behind closed doors may not always be seen but is ALWAYS worth it and there's always more you could do. That no task is considered complete until everything possible is done. That communication is key and laughter is crucial in every situation. You make me want to strive to always be on your team because I knew life is always better with you on my team rather than against.

You have both given me strength in bleak situations, have encouraged me in situations I felt was unfixable. As well as there is no such thing as too much love, patience, caring, encouragement, time, or importance on anything. You taught me how to be stronger when I didn't think I could be and have given me the best I could ask for.

Thank you for all you have done and continued to do. I appreciate it all and hope to do things as well as y'all did with the four of us.

I love you both.